Does the menstrual cycle affect our mood?

Most women have a pretty good sense of when their period is coming. Not only because they experience physical changes, but also because they notice subtle changes in their behavior and emotional state. Yes, it’s probably not a big surprise, but a woman’s cycle naturally also affects her psyche. Sometimes the emotional ups and downs are like a roller coaster ride! Every now and then we may feel a little crazy! And even if it doesn’t feel normal, it actually is because our hormones fluctuate in a cyclical pattern throughout the cycle. There is scientific evidence to support that the cycle is associated with hormone fluctuations in the body. If the symptoms are extreme, this is usually referred to as PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). PMS is now commonly known as a disease, but it is usually triggered by a hormonal imbalance. What we know for sure is that hormones have a major impact on our mood. And they do so throughout the entire menstrual cycle. Not just shortly before or after our period. And very often this effect is not just negative, because each cycle phase also brings certain benefits and its own unique quality.

During the ovulation phase in the cycle, LH (luteinizing hormone) increases. This hormone triggers the release of an egg from the ovaries. During this phase, the hormone estradiol, a form of estrogen, is released in significant amounts and can interact with other hormones to significantly increase a woman’s sex drive. Estradiol also makes insulin more effective. Insulin causes the body to release more testosterone, which also regulates our sex drive. It is believed that this is the body’s natural way of ‘encouraging’ women to have sex, as they are most fertile during this time. In addition, during this time in the cycle, women feel particularly social, extroverted, outgoing, open-minded, confident, satisfied and generally feel full of energy. The hormonal changes during this cycle phase activate the verbal and social areas of the brain. That’s why we feel most sociable and communicative during this phase. This is a good time to plan important conversations with friends and other people.

The hormonal fluctuations can change the chemical balance in the brain. This can also lead to the infamous mood swings that many women experience before and during their periods. These changes can also make a woman more prone to anxiety, depression, and even seizures. Some studies may provide a new molecular scientific basis for why some women suffer from more severe depression and anxiety before their periods.

When you have your period, hormone levels are usually low. What does have an impact, however, are so-called prostaglandins, which can cause cramping, pain, inflammation, and uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. Some women get through their periods feeling relieved and energized when they have their period, but many of us suffer from abdominal cramping and pain – most likely caused by prostaglandins. Other commonly reported symptoms include headaches and extreme fatigue, which may be caused by dehydration or low iron levels.

 

What can help: Whether it’s just a light yoga session, some stretching or a gentle walk, exercise during your period can lift your mood, even if you’re in pain or feeling tired. Even light exercise increases the body’s levels of endorphins – the feel-good hormones. They lift your mood, help us feel more positive, reduce anxiety, and make us feel more in control. It’s not surprising that these hormones are often referred to as nature’s painkillers.

Mood swings are usually associated with women who have a regular, monthly cycle, but it turns out that missing your period can also negatively affect your mood. That’s because healthy hormone levels help stabilize our mood. Low estrogen levels that occur with amenorrhea (missing periods) are closely related to changes in the activity of brain chemicals such as neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and neurosteroids that affect our mood. In particular, fluctuations in serotonin, dopamine, and allopregnanolone can cause mood changes in women without periods. High levels of cortisol are also associated with hypothalamic amenorrhea. Cortisol may also be a factor in mood disorders. Depression and anxiety are more common in women with amenorrhea compared to women who have regular cycles. In addition, women with hypothalamic amenorrhea have been shown to be more likely to have dysfunctional life attitudes, show a lower tolerance for daily stress, and report greater interpersonal dependence. Mood swings may not seem as serious as infertility, osteoporosis, or cardiovascular disease at first glance, but feeling depressed or anxious every day is a serious problem that can significantly reduce life quality, especially in the long term.

Sources:

https://roshmfm.com/odd-ways-your-menstrual-cycle-changes-you/

https://www.med.unc.edu/psych/wmd/resources/mood-disorders/menstrually-related/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6374026//